Music, arranging and production by Jon Burr

The Lyric:
Everything was fine, not so very long ago.
I had a weekly paycheck, I was rolling in the dough.
I had a truck, got me where I needed to go.
I didn’t know how much I had, ‘til things began to blow.

Everything was fine, then my tire picked up a tack.
The rubber was so thin, you see, it really set me back.
“What’s the problem now?� was all my boss would say,
Gave me my last paycheck, and sent me on my way…

So, here I am remembering, not so long ago,
I had a weekly paycheck, I was rolling in the dough.
I had my pick-up truck back then, had a shirt. and had a wife.
I didn’t know how little I had because, well, that was life.

Sleeping in my pick-up truck, the light began to dawn.
I would go back home, before my last chance was blown.
I would tell my loving folks, at last I saw the light, 
My prospects didn’t look so good, my future, none too bright.

Could they start me off again, with tuition and the such, and
help me get a-brand new tire, for my raggedy ol’ truck?
If they could be so kind, as to set me on my way, 
I would do my very best, their kindness to repay

Consider the military, said my folks, sounding wise
they told me I need extra time, didn’t mean to criticize
Maybe they were onto something, maybe that could help
Why, oh, why didn’t I think of that myself?

Military life’s not easy, as I learned from the start, 
but I came out much the better, and learned to have some heart.
Well, I’m that better man now, after going through all this.
Finally got my life in shape, it had been so amiss.

I repaid my folks’ advice, as I promised that I would,
Became the son they hoped for, the man they knew I could.
We often go to see them, and they visit the wife and me,
Now they’re contented grandfolks, with babies on each knee!

Once upon a time, when I was really stuck, 
I went back home to see the folks, which became a day of luck.
Military service, I’m glad I took it up.
Life changed for me, when I stopped sleeping in that ol’ truck.

“Cast your bread upon the waters� - Ecclesiastes 11:1

Lyricist Cheryl Prazak blends eclectic and nostalgic lyric themes with lively renditions of traditional tunes in her new release “Hearts Aflame.�
Working with arranger/producer Jon Burr of arrangerforhire.com, and the wonderful vocalist Sammie Jane, these tracks were created for your enjoyment in the celebration of Christ.
The album title and song Hearts Aflame were inspired by the 2023 Asbury Revival at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky.

Near to Your Heart Medley

The world was black as black as sin would always be.
From the pit of hell I’m a refugee. 
I grasped the loving hand You reached down to me.
I opened my heart’s door, You set me free. 

Only You could feel this aching of my heart.
And only You could melt this heart of stone.
Only You could mend again a life torn ‘part. 
Salvation comes, salvation comes, from You alone.

Near to your heart, that’s where I always want to be,
Take me in, draw me closer, Lord, to Thee. 
I want to be where joy and peace are calling me,
I want to be where Jesus lives in me.

It’s only You who restores my soul’s liberty.
It’s only You who sets the captive free. 
You guide my steps so I can live victoriously. 
It’s only You, it’s only You, who rescues me.

It’s You and only You who is my Savior.
And only You who changed my destiny.
It’s only You whose mercy will not waver.
It’s only You who sets my spirit free.

It’s only You who restores my soul’s liberty.
It’s only You who sets the captive free. 
You guide my steps so I can live victoriously. 
It’s only You, it’s only You, who rescues me.

Arranging, production and video by Jon Burr (arrangerforhire.com)

Lyric:
Let me tell you ‘bout a place that’s stood the test of time
Once it was a country, but now a State of Mind
Texas is the place I know, it’s special and it’s real
let me share some things it’s got you oughtta see and feel

Do-si-do with fiddle and bow, Texas two-step and Cotton-Eyed Joe,
heel and toe, do-si-do, Texas two-step and Cotton-Eyed Joe,

We belt it out with Jennings, echo through the hills,
rave with Buddy Holly, “ah-hah� with the great Bob Wills.
We croon with Kenny Rogers, George Strait and young Clint Black.
We dance the Texas two-step to Galveston and back

Do-si-do with fiddle and bow, Texas two-step and Cotton-Eyed Joe,
heel and toe, do-si-do, Texas two-step and Cotton-Eyed Joe,

Texas has its mountains and plains, valleys and bayous.
We had cottonfields once where legendary pickers grew,
Like Lightnin’ Hopkins, T-Bone, Blind Lemon, Stevie Ray played the blues
Buddy Holly, and Willie Nelson sang their stories too

Do-si-do with fiddle and bow, Texas two-step and Cotton-Eyed Joe,
heel and toe, do-si-do, Texas two-step and Cotton-Eyed Joe,

Us Texans like to hunt and shoot, and what we shoot, we eat.
When you smell the bar-b-cue, bring a dish ‘n grab a seat.
Tex-Mex, tacos, fajitas, enchiladas and red wine!
Avocado guacamole suits a Texan just fine!

Do-si-do with fiddle and bow, Texas two-step and Cotton-Eyed Joe,
heel and toe, do-si-do, Texas two-step and Cotton-Eyed Joe,

Do-si-do with fiddle and bow, Texas two-step and Cotton-Eyed Joe,
heel and toe, do-si-do, Texas two-step and Cotton-Eyed Joe,

We have fought to live our way, and we can fight again.
When the need presents itself, we only fight to win.
We have fought to live our way, we can live no other.
If you feel like coming this way, don’t mess with Texas, brother!

Do-si-do with fiddle and bow, Texas two-step and Cotton-Eyed Joe,
heel and toe, do-si-do, Texas two-step and Cotton-Eyed Joe,

Texas has its music, Texas has its food
Texas has its history to put you in the mood
The very best way to visit is to travel far and wide
one end to the other right through the countryside

Do-si-do with fiddle and bow, Texas two-step and Cotton-Eyed Joe,
heel and toe, do-si-do, Texas two-step and Cotton-Eyed Joe,

Do-si-do with fiddle and bow, Texas two-step and Cotton-Eyed Joe,
heel and toe, do-si-do, Texas two-step and Cotton-Eyed Joe

“Cast your bread upon the waters� - Ecclesiastes 11:1

Lyricist Cheryl Prazak blends eclectic and nostalgic lyric themes with lively renditions of traditional tunes in her new release “Hearts Aflame.�
Working with arranger/producer Jon Burr of arrangerforhire.com, and the wonderful vocalist Sammie Jane, these tracks were created for your enjoyment in the celebration of Christ.
The album title and song Hearts Aflame were inspired by the 2023 Asbury Revival at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky.

Bounteous River of Mercy

Bounteous river, river of mercy,
Flowed from your life’s blood, flowed fast away.
Streams never ceasing since in the Garden,
Streams of the Lamb’s blood, unto this day.

Rivers of crimson, washing as pure snow,
Ribbons of crimson, spilled by God’s Lamb.
Abraham offered up the chosen son,
But as a ransom, God sent a ram.

I offered my sin, You sent a Savior;
I offered my pain, You sent your Son.
I offered my guilt, You spilled your life’s blood;
You gave me hope when I deserved none.

First Fruit of Heaven, returned to the Father;
First Fruit of Heaven, rending the veil.
Life lies before me, death is behind me;
Living in your Light, death can’t assail.

Darkness is gone now, You are my sunshine;
Raised in your likeness, I walk in Light.
You are my High Priest, e’er pleading for me;
You are my Counsel, setting things right.

In Jesus’ blood now, is life everlasting;
In life’s death shadow, there is no fear.
Walking in your Light, calmness surrounds me;
Lord of creation, my heart’s desire.

“Cast your bread upon the waters� - Ecclesiastes 11:1

Lyricist Cheryl Prazak blends eclectic and nostalgic lyric themes with lively renditions of traditional tunes in her new release “Hearts Aflame.�
Working with arranger/producer Jon Burr of arrangerforhire.com, and the wonderful vocalist Sammie Jane, these tracks were created for your enjoyment in the celebration of Christ.
The album title and song Hearts Aflame were inspired by the 2023 Asbury Revival at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky.

Hearts Aflame

Heavenly breezes, blowing down from heaven’s shore,
Do you not feel it, traversing the land?
Good news is upon them, your Spirit has opened the door,
And the young people have taken their stand.

Spirit, take your flight, ‘cross our land tonight,
Strongly your Spirit has breathed upon them.
Their fire is burning bright, no way to dim its light tonight.
They’ll take us to the cross, just follow them.

Glorying in the Name, by whose grace they proclaim,
One by one, heart to heart, and hand to hand.
The young people will lead us, they can set the world aflame,
As voice to voice they will cover our land.

Spirit, take your flight, ‘cross our land tonight,
Strongly your Spirit has breathed upon them.
Their fire is burning bright, no way to dim its light tonight.
They’ll take us to the cross, just follow them.


Sprightly beams their light, casting out on us this night,
Lights shining bright so that no man can dim.
Leading on with great joy, they have become our guiding light,
Taking us to the cross, just follow them.

Spirit, take your flight, ‘cross our land tonight,
Strongly your Spirit has breathed upon them.
Their fire is burning bright, no way to dim its light tonight.
They’ll take us to the cross, just follow them.
Spirit, take your flight, ‘cross our land tonight,
Strongly your Spirit has breathed upon them.
Their fire is burning bright, no way to dim its light tonight.
They’ll take us to the cross, just follow them.

They’ll take us to the cross, just follow them.

“Cast your bread upon the waters� - Ecclesiastes 11:1

Lyricist Cheryl Prazak blends eclectic and nostalgic lyric themes with lively renditions of traditional tunes in her new release “Hearts Aflame.�
Working with arranger/producer Jon Burr of arrangerforhire.com, and the wonderful vocalist Sammie Jane, these tracks were created for your enjoyment in the celebration of Christ.
The album title and song Hearts Aflame were inspired by the 2023 Asbury Revival at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky.

Footprints In The Garden

On the path were footprints in the garden, whose they were, I could not find a sign.
Thinking I was alone in the garden, I supposed the footprints to be mine.

I could not hear your sweet voice pleading, summoning me from a world somewhere.
You were in the garden interceding, but I didn’t remember that You care. 

I could not hear your kind voice calling, lost was I in a world of despair.
On my heavy heart your voice was falling, I had long forgotten You were there.

Now I hear your voice gently whispering, falling softly as the morning dew.
I can feel your loving touch refreshing, bidding me to start my life anew.

All the time You were there in the garden, giving me your love and strength sublime.
I thought I was alone in the garden; wondrously, You were there all the time.

But now your gentle voice I am hearing, breaking through the din and through the fray.
Yours the voice of my kind Master speaking, in the garden from which I did stray.

Like roses lost within a labyrinth, still fragrantly blossom in the rain.
In the garden now two sets of footprints, that is where my roses bloom again.
That is where my roses bloom again.

“Cast your bread upon the waters� - Ecclesiastes 11:1

Lyricist Cheryl Prazak blends eclectic and nostalgic lyric themes with lively renditions of traditional tunes in her new release “Hearts Aflame.�
Working with arranger/producer Jon Burr of arrangerforhire.com, and the wonderful vocalist Sammie Jane, these tracks were created for your enjoyment in the celebration of Christ.
The album title and song Hearts Aflame were inspired by the 2023 Asbury Revival at Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky

Psalm 45:1

I want to write sweet love poems with words that honor You.
May leanings of each heartbeat be faithful and be true.
I want to write love songs telling what You mean to me.
And then ten thousand angels could sing my poems for Thee.

You wake me from my slumber, your Spirit beckons me.
You give me all the true words to stir my heart to Thee.
​And if I haven’t the voice to sing, let others sing for me.
​Just let me write the lovely poems with words that honor Thee.

May poems that I offer You be precious in your sight.
May your redemption’s story shine through each line I write.
And if I haven’t the voice to sing, let others sing for me.
Just let me write the lovely poems with words that honor Thee.

God wants the world to know Him and songs may draw us near.
Let me be one who writes words that send his message clear.
The strains that stir my waiting soul, I dedicate to Thee.
Just let me write the lovely poems with gifts You’ve given me.

If Only In My Dreams is a song of longing for a far away spouse sung by soldier stationed far away.
Music, arranging and production by Jon Burr

The Lyrics:
The moon shines bright, drifting through the pines tonight, 
The meadow lies blanketed with dew,
Stars take their flight, chasing ‘way the lingering night, 
And I lie here dreaming, dear, of you.

Lonely the nights, when I long to hold you tight, 
In my dreams, I linger and pretend.
Ev’ning draws nigh, pensive fantasies take flight,
My eyes close, dreamy visions descend.  

Nights are cold and lonely; I’m so in love with you.
Wrapped up in your arms, I surrender to your charms, 
If only in my dreams, can I hold you.

Mournful day long, I am trying to stay strong.
I can only sit here, dear, and dream.  
Please play our song, you remember our love song,
And together we will dream our dream.

The moon gives way, breaking forth another day,
And the last star’s twinkle has fade.
I see your face, with the dawn of each new day, 
Morn breaks through, and I’m dreaming again.  

Candles in the window, yellow ribbons on the door,
When I see the glow and the ribbons I will know
There you are, I will leave your arms no more.

Every day will be a dream, dear, when I am there with you.
Although we’re far apart, you linger in my heart, 
love of my life, my wonderful, amazing wife; 
my wonderful military wife.